How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.

When evaluating for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.

A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times or having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.

In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is crucial to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your medical conditions.

What happens during the assessment process?

The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"

You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which could include medication.

It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to prepare and Private ADHD Diagnosis practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.

As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you have any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private adult adhd diagnosis evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

You may be getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors that favor you. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were born female or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem like anxiety, private ADHD diagnosis depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and calm. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private adhd diagnosis (www.Healthndream.com) assessments and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.